Replies to post #5199 on Dendreon Corp fka DNDNQ

[rancherho]

While both DNDN and CEGE have used the terms "allocated alpha" or alpha spend" both the CEGE CEO and DNDN's Schiffman seem to concentrate on the importance of the Hazard Ratio at the interim rather than the p value. In looking at Slides 9 through 12, there seems to be a similar preference for Hazard Ratios. Slide 9 states that statiscians like Hazard Ratios because all data is used and there is smoothing. With a given number of events at the interim and an allocated p value, is the Hazard Ratio determined automatically or does the shape of the curve or some other factor(s) make it a variable independent of events and p value? Previously, I believe that our resident stat experts indicated a relationship between power, projected treatment effect and Hazard Ratio. TIA for any enlighenment.